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Lately, I’ve been hearing a familiar phrase more often: “This project is Deaf-informed.” It sounds promising. It suggests care, consultation, and inclusion. But here’s the truth: Deaf-informed isn’t the same as Deaf-led. and the difference matters. Deaf-Informed Still Keeps Power Elsewhere In many projects, Deaf people are brought in to review materials, validate signs, or provide feedback after decisions have
“Deaf-led” is becoming a popular phrase. It shows up in grant applications.On websites.In project proposals.Across social media. But too often, it’s used loosely, sometimes even strategically, without a real understanding of what it requires. So let’s talk about what Deaf-led actually means. Deaf-Led Is Not Deaf-Informed Inviting Deaf people to review content is not Deaf-led. Hiring Deaf consultants for sign-off
People often tell me I’m “so inspiring.” They usually mean it kindly. I know that.But over time, I’ve learned that this word carries a quiet weight, one that doesn’t always feel human. When someone calls a Deaf person inspiring, what they are often responding to is not who we are, but what we’ve survived. They are reacting to the barriers
an Old Pattern We Need to Talk About Over the past while, and increasingly as the new year begins, I’ve been contacted by several companies looking to build ASL-based digital platforms and AI-driven programs. In each case, the outcome was the same: either I was turned down when I asked for a fair share in ownership and decision-making, or I
As this year comes to a close, I want to pause and say thank you. This year took me into a wide range of spaces, from corporate teams at Nestlé Canada and Baxter, to working alongside CCWESTT project management to ensure their services were accessible, to public institutions, educators, and community organizations across Canada. Alongside this work, I also had
Holiday Parties, Family Gatherings, and the People Quietly Nodding Along Holiday work parties and family gatherings are meant to be joyful. Laughter, music, clinking glasses, overlapping conversations, all signs of celebration. But for some people, these environments are not festive. They’re exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming. You may not notice them at first.They’re smiling.They’re nodding.They’re standing close, trying to follow along.
